DEMAND THE RELEASE AND MEDICAL TREATMENT OF HIV POSITIVE WOMEN

The Greek government proceeded to the unprecedented barbarous action of pillorying (public exposure) of HIV infected women, some of who are in systematic and some in casual prostitution (many of them drug addicts), mostly Greek but also immigrants, under the pretext of protecting their clients and their families from the transmission of HIV virus, by publishing their photographs, their names and home addresses, violating thus every right for the protetion of personal data, the medical confidentiality and all the international and european treaties signed by the Greek state for the protection of persons living with HIV. The “operation” started as an anti-immigrant crusade, but proceeded as a modern wichunt of women.

Starting on April 29, 2012, and in the course of 20 days, they arrested hundrends of women, imprisoned more than 35 initially, and today, the 21 of June, 24 of them are still in jail. They are charged with “malicious intent to cause bodily harm” against their sex clients, a charge that is senselles and bares no legal ro scientif ground.

We demand the immediate release of these women, their medical treatment and the punishment of all persons in official positions who participated in such illegal activity.

I just signed the following petition addressed to: Greek Ministry of Justice.

----------------Dear Mr Roupakiotis

On April 29, the Greek government proceeded to the unprecedented act of pillorying (public exposure) of HIV infected women, some of which are involved in casual prostitution, under the pretext of protecting their clients from the virus transmission. This included the publication of their photographs, their names and home addresses, violating every right for the protection of personal data, medical confidentiality and all the international and European treaties signed by the Greek state for the protection of persons living with HIV.

Following an order by the Public Prosecutor, a total of 29 names and photographs of women were made public. Most of the women are Greek nationals and many of them suffer from heroin addiction and it is likely that they resorted to prostitution in order to support their heroin habit. These women were arrested and are imprisoned, charged with “malicious intent” against their sex clients. It is, therefore argued that these women knowingly and willingly set out to infect their clients (presented as innocent men, focused on their families and work) with the HIV virus. These accusations bare no scientific or legal ground and are once again, embarrassing the country in front of the international human rights community, with this shameless act of modern day witch hunting.These women must be released immediately and should be provided with adequate medical attention. We call on you to give an end to this parody and we request for a public apology to be addressed to all women who have been put through this terrible treatment, as a first step towards rebuilding trust between the Greek Justice System and persons living with HIV virus in Greece.